Sparking children’s creativity with Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge returns to our libraries on Saturday 6 July to keep children reading over the summer holiday.

This year’s theme ‘Marvellous Makers’ celebrates creativity in all its forms and encourages children to unleash their imaginations through the power of reading. 

Developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most, the challenge is a wonderful opportunity for children to discover new stories, join free activities, and explore their creativity.

Each book in the collection has been specially chosen by an expert group of readers to inspire children’s inner storytellers, motivating them to be curious, tell their own stories and become ‘Marvellous Makers’ themselves. 

How to join in on the fun

To take part in the challenge, a child aged 4 to 11 years or their caregiver should visit their local library during staffed hours and ask to sign up.

One of our librarians will then give them a special Marvellous Makers collector’s poster, where they can track their progress and set a reading goal.

Participants can choose to read any book in any format, printed or online, picture books or text, comics or audio books.

Each time they finish a book, they can visit the library and collect special stickers to add to their posters. When they complete the challenge by achieving the reading goal of 6 books, they will receive a medal and a certificate.

Those that aren’t able to visit the library can follow the challenge online with digital rewards, including a virtual medal and certificate upon completion.

This year there is also a mini challenge for children aged 3 and under so that they can join in the fun of enjoying stories and collecting stickers.

Children can learn more about this year’s books and their authors, and explore more fun activities, games and competitions at the Summer Reading Challenge website.

To find out about more free family events over the school holidays visit our libraries webpage.

The Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is a programme created for children across the UK to help improve their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays.

It’s been running for the past 25 years and with the help of local libraries it’s provided a fun, free activity accessible for all.

As a part of the programme, children are challenged to read books over the summer and encouraged to enjoy reading for fun.

Inspiring city’s youngest readers

Councillor Leslie Pumm, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Human Rights said: “It’s wonderful to hear that the Summer Reading Challenge is back to encourage and inspire city’s youngest readers as they enjoy their well-deserved summer holiday.

“This year’s theme ‘Marvellous Makers’ is especially significant as it teaches the importance of self-expression from young age and explores the limitless ways one can utilise their creativity.

“Having a creative hobby can not only lead to a fulfilling career later in life, but it’s also a wonderful way to channel difficult emotions, train focus and patience, boost mental health and gain a sense of accomplishment.

“I invite every child to visit our libraries to join in on the challenge and encourage their friends and peers to give reading for fun a try.”